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Latest from The Spokesman-Review
This blog post has been updated with April sales numbers from Spokane County marijuana producers and processors.
In a month that saw state legislators vote to blend medical and recreational marijuana laws, Spokane County retailers reported sales of more than $3 million, the largest monthly total since sales began last summer.
The 4/20 effect was noticeable for state recreational marijuana retailers, with the weekend of April 20th seeing the highest sales to date, according to statistics from the Washington Liquor Control Board (which will be renamed the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board under new state laws governing recreational and medical pot sales). State shops set a record on Friday, April 17, selling $1.76 million worth of legal marijuana.
But the counterculture holiday wasn't the game-changing day for recreational sales some made it out to be - this past Friday, shops sold $1.83 million worth of weed. If anything, the statistics show weekends are more important to cannabis users than pre-ordained celebrations.
In Spokane County, retailer Greenlight continued its pace of outselling all other shops authorized under Initiative-502, reaching a half million dollars in sales for the first time since opening in September.
Greenlight's sales total of $517,032 fell just shy of Spokane Green Leaf's record haul of $524,579 in August. Only three stores were selling legal marijuana when Green Leaf posted that total; Greenlight is competing against 13 other stores. If Greenlight's trend continues, it will break that record in May.
No new stores reported sales in April, but overall revenues still saw an increase of about 21 percent over March.
Statewide, producers have been posting sales numbers much lower than retailers after concerns surfaced in January about a glut of product in the market. In Spokane County, growers struggled to post $31,762 in sales last month. Producers posted their highest sales total in November, with roughly $1.9 million sold statewide.
Processing continues to be the most popular part of the marijuana industry in Spokane County, based on the number of businesses reporting sales figures to the Washington Liquor Control Board. Thirty-nine processing businesses in Spokane County reported total sales of $2.2 million in April, with Grow Op Farms in Spokane Valley accounting for more than a quarter of those numbers at almost $950,000 in sales.
Spokane County legal marijuana sales continued their climb in March, as two new stores reported revenue and overall sales rose 30 percent over February totals.
Fourteen shops reported $2.6 million in sales during the month of March, up from just a little over $2 million in February, according to figures reported by the Washington State Liquor Control Board on Tuesday. Greenlight, a shop that opened in September on Trent Avenue, once again led all area stores in sales, reporting revenues of $431,071 in March.
Two shops, Royal's Cannabis on Division Street and Smokane in East Central Spokane, opened in March and began reporting sales.
Here is a graph showing each shop's sales from July of last year, when the state first authorized legal sales, through last month's revenue figures:
This month saw the first reported armed robbery of a Spokane area marijuana store, as detectives obtained surveillance video of a masked man demanding cash at knifepoint at Spokane Green Leaf, the first retail store in Spokane to open its doors. In Olympia, lawmakers are debating how to distribute excise taxes collected from recreational marijuana sales. To date, retailers have collected more than $16.8 million in taxes statewide, according to the Liquor Control Board. That money is pooled at the state level for earmarked purposes, though local lawmakers have said they'd like to see portions of the money collected in taxes remaining in the counties where the sales took place.
Nintendo's beloved stable of characters, such as Mario and Link, will soon be coming to your iPhone and Android device.
But it's unlikely you'll be stomping Goombas in World 1-1 on your mobile phone any time soon.
Nintendo announced a partnership with fellow Japanese company DeNA in a news release Tuesday. DeNA launched in Tokyo in 1999 and has forged partnerships to develop and promote mobile games and e-commerce websites with several companies, the largest being Disney in 2012. DeNA has since brought mobile games based on Marvel superheroes and the Star Wars universe, both properties owned by Nintendo, to the mobile gaming marketplace.
The agreement, outlined in detail in the news release, does not include "porting games created specifically for the Wii U home console or the Nintendo 3DS portable system." So we won't see Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze or any of the recent Super Mario releases on mobile platforms. The news release also said the focus of the partnership will be on " new original games optimized for smart device functionality," which seems to suggest classic games are also not likely to be ported.
If DeNA's previous work is any indication, it's likely we'll see a Kirby's Dreamland-inspired tower defense game or The Legend of Zelda card battle.
But that's just one cynical gamer's impression of the deal. Are you excited to see Mario jump off the screens of first-party hardware and onto the phone in your pocket? What classic Nintendo games would make great mobile experiences? Tell us in the comments below.
An Atlanta bar has dropped its lawsuit against the controversial (and closed) Spokane Downtown Daiquiri Factory, as the shuttered business fights its eviction in Washington's appellate courts.
Kechia Matadin, owner of "The Daiquiri Factory" in Atlanta, sued Spokane bar owner Jamie Pendleton last May for alleged copyright infringement following a national controversy over one of Pendleton's drink names. A cocktail called "Date Grape Kool-Aid" drew local and national protests over its connotations to sexual violence, and it was eventually changed before the bar shuttered in June following a court-ordered eviction sought by the property owner.
Matadin's attorney asked to be removed from the federal case in January. This week, U.S. District Court Judge Lonny Suko dismissed the case under federal court rules.
Matadin wasn't the only one miffed by the Date Grape Kool-Aid connotation. Gonzaga University also sued Pendleton, alleging illegal use of its trademarked mascot and logos in bar promotions. Gonzaga won a permanent restraining order against the bar from future use of its trademarks in a ruling issued earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Pendleton continues to fight to move back into his location on Wall Street. Briefs have been filed in the Washington Court of Appeals asking that a Spokane County judge's eviction order be overturned. Pendleton argues the building's owner, Delaware-based real estate agent FPA Crescent, did not provide the legally required notice that his rent was overdue before moving to evict him. The landlord says it demanded maintenance charges that weren't paid, so they acted within their legal authority to boot the business.
No argument date has been set in the case. The former site of The Daiquiri Factory remains vacant and is listed as available for rent. The business' neighbor, Madeline's, moved to a new location on Main Street earlier this year. Its former home is also vacant and available for rent.
Many American consumers had to jump through hoops to buy a new iPhone 6 when the device was released in September.
But waiting in lines and paying huge no-contract penalties pale in comparison to the challenges faced by Chinese fans of Apple’s latest must-have phone.
Initial reports indicate authorities were tipped off when the man approached a metal detector walking stiffly. The man reportedly made no attempt to avoid the detector before he walked through, tripping the alarm.
Sales of the new phones were delayed several weeks in China after first going on sale in America in September. A flourishing black market emerged, with some paying as much as $2,400 for the devices, according to technology news outlet CNet. Smugglers at one point even included schoolchildren.
Media reports have not identified the man or indicated what criminal charges, if any, he faces.
Is there any gotta-have-it device that you would tape to your body and risk arrest to own or sell? I’ve always wanted a mint condition Virtual Boy, but I don’t think it would fit inside my overcoat.
"Green Friday" may have prompted a surge of sales at local marijuana retailers, but more revenue was reported the day before Thanksgiving and earnings modestly increased from prior Friday rushes in November, according to numbers reported by the state's Liquor Control Board.
Statewide, legal pot shops made $157,686 on Friday, down significantly from Wednesday's total of more than $251,000. It appears shoppers wanted to stock up for the long holiday weekend, rather than brave the retail lines on America's largest shopping day of the season.
Still, most local store owners said they opened with lines out the door Friday, and the Liquor Control Board only reports total sales numbers, not how much marijuana was sold. Some retailers were offering strands at up to 20 percent off all weekend.
The state Liquor Control Board also released this week the total sales numbers for Spokane County's eight retailers in November. The first shop to open, Spokane Green Leaf, led the way with $236,900 in sales last month. Up-and-comer Cannabis & Glass, which was not open when the month began, sold $13,355 worth of marijuana in November. That was good enough to beat seven other shops statewide that reported sales last month, but was the least among the county's eight operating businesses.
A total of 74 marijuana businesses reported sales to the state last month. Source: Washington State Liquor Control Board.
In total, Spokane County's pot shops earned more than $1 million in sales, roughly 1/8 of the revenue statewide. Sales activity generated more than $252,000 in excise tax revenue for the state. Currently, tax funds from marijuana sales are pooled and spent throughout the state, a process some lawmakers and shop owners would like to see changed to keep tax money closer to home.
Saturday marks two years since the voter-approved Initiative-502 became law, kickstarting the legal marijuana industry in Washington state. Look for an overview of the nascent industry in this weekend's Spokesman-Review.
You may recall that Spokane Teachers Credit Union invited members, from Earth Day (April 22) to June 30, to change their paper statements to fast e-statements. The hitch was that for every paper statement members converted to e-statements, STCU promised to buy a tree for a local reforestation project.
The results came back and they are pretty impressive. In less than 10 weeks, members switched more 1,708 month-end statements.
- 1,708 new trees ready to be planted along local waterways.
- Reduction of 41,000 sheets of paper, enough to form a ribbon seven miles long.
- Nearly $1,000 saved on stamps, envelopes, and printing of paper statements.
I'm a little late in reporting this Earth Day news but last Monday the Spokane Teachers Credit Union launched a cool campaign for members who want to switch to paper-saving electronic account statements. Why is it so cool other than simply saving paper? It will actually help plant trees.
From STCU: For every member who makes the switch from paper statements to e-statements between April 22 and June 30, STCU will donate the money to plant one tree along Deep Creek, Coulee Creek and Hangman Creek (also called Latah Creek). Work will be done in North Idaho, as well, although exact locations have not been selected.
The work is being organized by the Lands Council, which hopes to plant 5,000 trees through its Project SUSTAIN. STCU hopes enough members make the switch to e-statements by June 30 to provide at least 1,000 of those trees.
Up to 400 Inland Northwest high school students will help plant the trees, said Amanda Swan, Lands Council director of development and communications. Students from Mead Alternative School, The Community School, On Track Academy, Lewis and Clark High School, Coeur d’Alene High School and Post Falls High School and St. Maries High School will participate.
Good news from Sun People Dry Goods Co.: They are announcing the launch of one of Spokane’s first complementary currencies, Sunshine Dollars. The term complementary currency describes a currency that exists as a supplement to our national money. According to the International Journal of Community Currency Research, community and complementary currency systems have four main purposes: 1) To promote local economic development; 2) To build social capital; 3) To nurture more sustainable lifestyles; and 4) To meet needs that mainstream money does not. Presently, there are over 200 complementary or local currencies in circulation around the country. Sunshine Dollars are now available for purchase.
“We are excited to launch Sunshine Dollars this month! I recently returned from the national BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was energizing to meet with so many mission-driven businesses from around the country. Folks working hard to build their local economies. Complementary currencies are a tool regularly employed throughout the country by small businesses,” says Juliet Sinisterra, Co-Owner and General Manager for Sun People.
Sad news: Janice and Keith Raschko said they will close One World, located at 1804 E. Sprague Ave., after lunch on Saturday.
It took a lot of courage to bring this movement to Spokane. For the last four years, you could pay what you want and pick your portion. The food was local and organic. You could volunteer hours instead of paying. Despite that, not enough customers came through to keep things afloat. The owners have stated there are some folks willing to takeover at a new location so stay tuned for that.
Image courtesy of Barry Moses.
But I hope you can swing by to join them before the doors close. Janice said "We thought it only fitting that we bring Chef Daniel back to One World Cafe for our final week. Chef Daniel from Salt Lake City brings his amazing culinary talent to our kitchen from Nov 1st to the 5th. He will be cooking lunches on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 to 3 and dinners on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 8."
After the jump is the statement from Janice.
Who are our customers and potential customers?
What do they want? (And how do we know that?)
What's the best way to deliver that?
What will our customers want tomorrow?
What do we offer that distinguishes us from our competition?
How can we communicate that?
Do our employees care about/believe in our product/service?
For us, is quality just a slogan?
Will the office Christmas party be another cheapo affair?
This is an optimistic way to begin the week. (Just you wait.) Climate Solutions has an awesome video series documenting real, local examples of businesses incorporating sustainability into their practices. But from french fries to irrigation check these examples of sustainability solutions.
Check these examples. First up, food processing is the Northwest's 2nd largest industrial consumer of energy. So how does one of the largest french fry producers cut energy use without cutting profits? Watch for yourself:
OLYMPIA – Business organizations regularly bemoan how little recognition, respect and support they get from the state. But evidence to the contrary was clear last week, when the state announced a “windfall” of some $321 million from a tax amnesty program.
It showed that when there’s something fishy about what they’ve been doing, businesses get the benefit of the doubt that poor people don’t.
Cheers for the money were second only to Mariner’s improving win-loss record, and with good reason. The state originally thought it might pick up about $24 million by offering businesses a chance to clear up their tax debts without penalties or interest. It got $321 million – $264 million of which the state keeps after sending local governments their share – which is real money in anyone’s book. It offers the Legislature, in the words of Gov. Chris Gregoire, a chance to balance the state’s biennial budget and “go home.”
No one seemed concerned, however, about the reason for the unexpected bonanza….
To read the rest of this item, or to comment, go inside the blog.
Greenwashing is defined as the practice where a business tries to make it seem like it’s greener than it really is. For consumers to post and rank environmental advertisements in the hope of differentiating the misleading ones from the honest, we suggest The Greenwashing Index which recently refreshed it’s website.
Site Goal #1: Help consumers become more savvy about evaluating environmental marketing claims of advertisers. Site Goal #2: Hold businesses accountable to their environmental marketing claims. Site Goal #3:Stimulate the market and demand for sustainable business practices that truly reduce the impact on the environment.
I'm always testing it out and I urge you to as well. Try this one on for size from Fox News about greener bullets:
The M855 bullet was designed in the 70s — and has been in use since then, despite some complaints from soldiers that it's often less than effective .The new M855A1, which the Army will be demonstrating Wednesday at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, is deadlier, faster, and may soon replace its older cousin.
Think back to a soul-sucking work day in an environment that didn’t value the individual and corporate creative process, or at least give you the freedom to explore a new way of doing things. Most of us experience that at one time or another in our professional lives: The internship that asks only that you show up and do as you are told. The mid-level management morass that never rewards - and occasionally punishes - innovation. The checklist performance review.
While plenty of us still struggle to find a method for interacting, performing and thriving in the workplace, others are studying the art of creativity with the masters: Disney.
Since its opening in 1986, the Disney Institute has provided tutorials for business leaders who are seeking to change - from the inside out - the way they deal with both employees and consumers.
I’d heard about the Disney Institute but had no real idea of what exactly it is the Institute does. I assumed the programing fell somewhere between basketry classes and trust-building ropes courses, with a little imagineering thrown into the mix. I mean, I get Disney. I just didn’t get how the fantasy translated into the boardroom and more importantly, the cubicle down the hall from the boardroom.
So, during a family trip to Disney World last September, I asked for more information. I met and was able to spend some time with Disney Institute facilitator Jack Santiago. When I asked Santiago, the first DI facilitator to present in Spanish, what the basic, consumable, byproduct of the institute is, he waived an arm.
“Look around,” he said. “We’re in the most creative place in the world. A creative place that runs and grows on a system of best practices. That’s what you get to take home with you.”
I asked Santiago for an example of a business that had made significant systemic changes after attending the institute. He pointed to the Disney Institute’s work with the healthcare industry.
“Think of the basic operation of a large hospital or medical center,” he said. “They are there to serve people, to treat people, but it’s easy for that mission to get lost in the bureaucracy or day-to-day business of running the place.”
By adapting Walt Disney’s business beliefs and passion for creating a positive experience for all “cast members” (employees) hospitals were able to change the way they interacted with “guests” (patients and other visitors.)
“ The idea is to take our best practices and use them to improve an organization,” Santiago told me. “We specialize in leadership, service, people management, brand loyalty and creativity training.”
It made sense, but I asked Santiago for another example. I wanted to talk to someone in a field that it would be hard to imagine benefitting from Disneyisms. That’s how I was introduced to Tom Broussard.
Broussard, a gregarious, motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing texan is fifth-generation mortician in Beaumont, Texas. He is also a Disney Institute apostle after attending a short presentation at an association annual meeting at DisneyWorld in 2000.
“I sat there and it was like a lightbulb came on,” he told me during a long phone conversation. “They talked about personalization, making a real connection to others. Well, what we do is intimately personal.”
Broussard came away convinced the skills and techniques taught by Disney Institute facilitators could make a difference in the way he and the other funeral service workers in his network interacted with and served clients. He realized that some of the techniques used by Disney enterprises would help him create an experience for those who’d come to say goodbye to a friend or family member that would deepen their bond with the deceased.
“There’s a move in our industry to celebrate the lives of the deceased. You see slideshows and things like that. But I realized that if we reached out to the people who attended services and helped them create a memorial or a keepsake, we would give them a deeper sense of connection,” Broussard says. “It didn’t have to mean big changes in the way we do things, just more effective changes.”
Broussard admits he has the right kind of personality to respond to the Disney Institute message.
“Some of us expect to find some kind of creative reward or experience in everything we do,” he says. “We look for it. We expect it. We seek it. And we’re compelled to share that, to take that message to others.”
In other words, he wasn’t hard to sell on the concept. Others, he admits, might not be so comfortable with the idea of personalizing, and in some ways “informalizing” the unique constraints of the funeral service industry.
“I think the main thing he Institute gives us - as an industry - are the tools to bring back new concepts and ideas,” he says “They give us the skills to be creative and to make changes in a way that makes people comfortable. It’s ingenious.”
There are the expected contemporary leadership and corporate lessons in Disney Institute programs but Broussard says the first time he met with DI facilitators, the creative process was reduced to an elementary level.
“They had everyone at the table pass out crayons. ‘Now smell the crayon’ they told us. There was an immediate reaction. That smell is unique. You get a whiff of it and you’re a kid again,” Broussard says. “It really opened my eyes. I took notes with the crayons. I highlighted with crayon. It was one small way of doing things but I could sense the change immediately.”
Broussard’s enthusiasm is palpable when he talks about his experience.
“They talk about structure, but about creative structure," he says. "Like the way you draw the circles when you draw Mickey Mouse. Creative but with structure.”
The Disney Institute is coming to Spokane. Facilitators will be presenting a one-day program geared for local healthcare professionals.
Where:The Lincoln Center
When: April 12,
Details: For more information on registering for the Disney Institute program hosted by the Human Capital Academy in Spokane call (877) 544-2384, ext. 1.
Cheryl-Anne Millsap writes for The Spokesman-Review. She can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org
Alright, those of us who live here already know that South Perry is a cool neighborhood, but would you check this out: the local blog SpoCOOL had it’s own ‘best of Spokane’ contest and South Perry was a big winner.
In the category best pizza, Veraci took number one and South Perry Pizza placed second.
South Perry Farmers Market won for best Farmers Market.
Best bar went to The Lantern Tavern.
That’s one heck of a great showing for one neighborhood - congratulations to all.
The South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association decided to start a boot, sock, hats, mitten and scarf drive to benefit students at Grant Elementary School. The blog agreed to help out setting this up.
About 90 percent of kids at Grant qualify for free or reduced lunch, and there is a huge need for winter clothing – especially boots, socks, mittens and hats. Watch for collection bins to appear at Perry businesses soon – contact the blog at email@example.com if you have larger donations of new or slightly used winter boots, socks/tights, hats, mittens and scarves.
There was a long discussion about the need to update bylaws for the South Perry Business and Neighbor Association. A membership fee hasn’t been charged for four or five years.
Many businesses don’t attend on a regular basis, and the SPBNA doesn’t have any representation at the city’s business center meetings. Those meetings are the first Friday every month at 7 a.m. Krista from South Perry Pizza agreed to take contact to the city and try to make the meetings, so she can report back to the group. A work group of three people will look at the bylaws and propose updates to the group as soon as possible.
The officers remain mostly the same for another year, in order to secure that bylaws are updated and structure of SPBNA is solidified. Only changes are that Spencer Grainger agreed to help secretary Heidi Hash – she is very active with Grant Elementary and may miss a meeting once in a while - and Marshall Powell is the new vice president.
Am sharing this here, too, though it has an East Central focus. Check out the Neighborhood Business Center Advisory Board.
Tune in to City Cable 5 on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. when council member Amber Waldref hosts the “Council Connection.” During the first half hour, Waldref is joined by LaVerne Biel, President of the East Spokane Business Association and owner of Access Telecom, as well as Sue Bradley, past chair of the Garland Busienss Association and owner of Tinman Gallery on Garland.
The second half hour will feature Biel and Boris Borisnov, program officer for community building at Impact Capital, and focus on teh newly released neighborhood Action Plan for Spokane’s International District, on East Sprague.
The show’s focus is on how the city and local businesses can better work together and it also features the formation of the Neighborhood Business Center Advisory Board.
Waldref will take calls during the show. The number to reach the show is: (509) 625-6337.
… and hey, it’s feeling welcome, too. My office away from the office is The Outlaw Cafe and I had barely sat down before Richard Burris of Hillyard Community Futures came in and said hello. Burris is ready to approach his city council members and the police chief about getting some better neighborhood patrols up here. “What we need is police in plain vehicles and plain clothes,” Burris said. “Those who cause trouble can spot a marked police car from a mile away.”
A local bar owner stopped in, too, and agreed wholeheartedly with Burris. He also shared that bars are in a tight spot when it comes to keeping the good customers around while running troublemakers off their property.
Conveniently council member Bob Apple, who represents Hillyard together with Amber Waldref, showed up, too. Apple listened carefully and encouraged Burris to contact the COPS Shop and the Neighborhood’s resource officer. “It’s important to report these things,” Apple said.
Burris is going to present a letter at the Hillyard Merchants Committee meeting Wednesday morning, hoping the group will support him and agree to approach city hall.
However, everyone present agreed that a lot of good things are happening in Hillyard and that the neighborhood is doing its best to get rid of a bad reputation and replace it with a much more positive image. Look for upcoming Halloween events and a Girls Day Out coming real soon.
…. introductions begin in a minute followed by reports from neighborhood organizations like the Farmers Market and COPS. Mayor Mary Verner is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. followed by council members Richard Rush and Jon Snyder. The South Perry Neighborhood and Business Association’s
annual meeting runs through 8:15 p.m. at the Emmaunel Life Center (631
S. Richard Allen Court) - come over and say hi.
The South Perry Neighborhood and Business Association is having its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Emmanuel Family Life Center located at 631 S. Richard Allen Court.
Neighbors and businesses in the area are all invited to attend. The SPNBA is not the same as a neighborhood council, rather it was formed by volunteers who began gathering on a regular basis around 10 years ago when the Perry Street restoration project began to change the face of the neighborhood.
SPNBA would like to hear what residents would like to see happen in the neighborhood in 2011 as well as give an update on what has already been accomplished.
Look at any map of Spokane and you will not find the words “South Perry.” Yet in the local (and national) media you hear a lot about Spokane’s “revitalized” South Perry neighborhood. Real estate agents refer to the South Perry neighborhood when listing the amenities of a property. I’d like to engage you in a conversation about this emerging identity. What is causing our neighborhood’s positive evolution? We’ll explore this question for a while, and then look ahead toward a shared vision for this community. But first I want to set the stage:
The South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Perry Street Cafe - and it needs your help and input. The organization formed years ago when businesses were first moving into the district, and it falls under the East Central Neighborhood Council. Business oweners, neighbors, teachers, anyone with a connection to South Perry is welcome to attend the meetings.
The annual meeting is coming up on October 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Emmanuel Life Center - Mayor Mary Verner has been invited, and so has city council menbers Jon Snyder and Richard Rush. Brian Estes will give an update about the Farmers Market and there will be a sign up sheet for volunteer positions - or just volunteers.
This just in from the South Perry Business and Neigborhood Association:
the SPBNA has traditionally taken off the month of August. Our current executive committee decided to continue that tradition as three of our four officers are out of town this week. We will be sending out minutes and an agenda for September shortly. And please put October 12th on your calendar for our annual meeting!
For those we were at the Fair debriefing and we talked about our next meeting being this Tuesday, I apologize.
See you on the second Tuesday of September… unless we see each other sooner at the Farmers Market …. the South Perry blog…. or ……
President of the South Perry Business and Neighbor Association
Electricity costs a manufacturer 4.48 cents per kilowatt hour in Idaho. The same company would pay 26.05 cents per kilowatt hour in Hawaii. In Connecticut, it’s 14.93 cents. In Alaska, it’s 14.17 cents. The average worker in Idaho earns $647 a week. Next door in Washington state it’s $906 a week. So why aren’t companies standing in line to move here? Three reasons: Our schools aren’t good enough, our business taxes are too high, and, except for Boise, our transportation infrastructure is lousy/Twin Falls Times-News. More here.
Question: Does the Twin Falls editorial assessment apply to North Idaho — “our schools aren’t good enough, our business taxes are too high, and our transportation infrastructure is basically lousy?
The South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association met at the Perry Street Cafe last night. The business district is part of the East Central Neighborhood Council, yet years ago broke out a smaller business and neighborhood association to better be able to deal with South Perry issues and topics.
The Altamont Pharmacy building has been sitting empty for some time now, and while there has been some possible buyers nothing has panned out for the old building. Now Mark Camp - one of the current owners of the building - is ready to do something about that. Camp says he plans to purchase the entire building and divide it into three small retail spaces.
“There will be two spaces facing Perry, and one toward the back that will be more like an office space,” Camp said this morning. One tenant is ready to move in - though Camp won’t say who it is - and depending on financing he hopes the building will open in Fall.
There’s a new shop on South Perry. Summer Hightower has opened Veda Lux Boutique in the tiny little white house located right next to Lorien’s windmill - the address is 1006 South Perry Street, and the hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“I’ve been looking at this space for years,” Hightower said. “I grew up in the neighborhood, I went to Grant, and I still have my family living here.”
Hightower’s shop features an eclectic mix of vintage dresses, shoes and purses, as well as hair accessories and jewelry that she designs. “I’ve made jewelry for the past 12 years, everything I do is one of a kind,” Hightower said, holding up a bridal veil.
Hightower will be at the Perry Street Farmers’ Market this afternoon and she’s got many plans for getting more artists into the neighborhood.
“I’d love to have First Friday come up here,” said Hightower. “I’ll host a garden party July 2, that’s the next time there’s First Friday. I’d love to have some artists here in my alley. It would be great.”
By Thursday, the Lantern has been closed for vacation for one week - it will be closed for one more week. Yes, some of us are counting the days.
Across the street, South Perry Pizza has changed its summer hours: Still closed on Mondays, but now open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
A new shop has joined the line up on South Perry: Summer Hightower has opened The Veda Lux Boutique in the little white house next to Lorien’s windmill (1106 S. Perry). She sells vintage clothing, jewelry and handmade hair accessories - the South Perry Blog can’t wait to visit.
Thursday morning, the blog will be at The Shop from 9 a.m. to noon - come in and say hello. As always, there will be a stack of free newspapers.


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STOCKHOLM -(MarketWatch)- Swedish mobile network company Ericsson
Under the proposal, ahead of its annual general meeting in May, Ericsson lowered its suggested performance criteria for the 2012 executive management stock plan.
The proposed executive bonus targets are for compound annual growth in net sales in the range of 2% and 8% between 2011 and 2014. Ericsson's previous targets were 4% to 10% for the 2010 to 2013 period.
At 1343 GMT shares in Ericsson traded 1.6% lower at SEK66.50, against a 0.6% drop for the larger Stockholm stock exchange.
"Generally speaking, this new, somewhat cautious sales target won't make investors more positive about Ericsson's prospects," said Redeye analyst Greger Johansson.
Handelsbanken's analyst Martin Nilsson said he wasn't too surprised about the new sales target figure, considering that the market environment has turned more negative for Ericsson since last year.
"Also, given Ericsson's good sales growth last year, the base-year for this bonus program will be a harder comparison," he said.
Benefiting from increased mobile data traffic--a result of booming sales of data-hungry smartphones--Ericsson's net sales grew 12% last year, while operating profit grew 9%.
Handelsbanken, however, forecasts Ericsson's sales to grow just under 4% this year, as operators around the world are coping with the unfavorable combination of rapidly growing data traffic and declining revenue.
In a recent note, the bank said network capacity increases will be driven by greater productivity of existing and new equipment, rather than additional network equipment sales.
The target for annual operating income growth was kept at a range 5% and 15%, while the target for cash conversion remained above 70% annually between 2012 and 2014.

domain: news


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By Kelsey Noland, Graphic Designer and Social Community Manager, Disney Springs
With over 100 retail stores, over 60 places to indulge your taste buds, and unique experiences, Disney Springs continues to be the ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and playing or as we would like to say—happily whatever you’re after. (You may have seen this tagline on our new campaign that just launched on social and around Orlando last week!) 2020 is off to an amazing start as we gear up for an incredible line-up of anticipated openings including City Works Eatery & Pour House, Ample Hills Creamery, Cirque du Soleil, and M&M’S. Today, I’m excited to add another announcement to the list—boutique jewelry brand, Rustic Cuff, will soon open a pop-up retail store at Disney Springs!
This new accessory destination specializes in beautiful statement cuffs with a focus on inspirational designs and personal connection. The brand will also feature a wide selection of beads, bangles, charm bracelets and colorful stackable accent pieces personalization options like names, monograms, and favorite quotes. “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this special resort location that echoes everything that inspires us to dream” said boutique founder, Jill Donovan.
The store is set to open for a limited time in the coming weeks and will be located across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Be sure to follow @DisneySprings and @RusticCuff on social media for more details and grand opening announcements.


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Retail giant Urban Outfitters has been hit with a lawsuit over the copyright infringement of the gender-neutral fragrance, Mx, from luxury perfume brand Eris. Launched in 2017, Mx is named after the gender-neutral title that is starting to replace Mr., Mrs. and Ms. According to the brand’s website, “The ‘X’ in Mx marks the freedom to be who you want to be, free from the constraints of gender..Mx. Blurs the boundaries between conventionally masculine and feminine perfume notes.”
In Autumn 2018 Urban Outfitters also launched a gender-neutral fragrance, called Mx - Skin. According to the lawsuit, not only does Eris claim that Urban Outfitters is infringing upon the trademarked Mx, Eris is claiming that the marketing language used around the fragrance by the high street retailer is also incredibly similar. As such it is citing unfair competition and false designation of origin and are hoping for a court order to discontinue the use of their intellectual property and provide monetary compensation.
This isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed a copycat dispute in the beauty industry. The cult beauty product Glow Tonic, from Pixi Beauty bared uncanny similarity to its Aldi dupe, Healthy Glow. They both contained 5% glycolic acid, however, this product never exactly replicated the original Glow Tonic, due to the incremental difference between aloe vera concentrations. Although exempt from legal action, Aldi’s product came under close inspection, questioning when imitation is taken too far.
While Urban Outfitters must be commended its promotion of gender-free beauty, copyright infringement of this kind cannot be tolerated.


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Virgin Mobile and O2 won’t introduce roaming charges in the EU
Following Brexit, some UK mobile operators started charging customers extra to use their mobile plans in Europe. EE was the first mobile operator in the UK to introduce normal roaming charges following Brexit, though it had previously said that it was not going to reintroduce roaming charges in Europe. Vodafone previously introduced European roaming for “heavy” users, referring to those users as customers who use their phone in an EU country for more than 60 days in a four-month period. Now, Virgin Media has reaffirmed its stance that they will not be re-introducing roaming charges in the EU, which includes O2 — a company it recently merged with.
“We’re starting the year by giving our customers some certainty: we will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers on O2 or Virgin Mobile,” said Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer, in a statement to the BBC.
“With many Brits now looking to plan a trip abroad, we’ve got our customers covered and extra roaming charges will be one less thing to worry about.”
Consumers on other operators who travel to the EU could see large expenses that they previously weren’t used to. For example, Three is set to re-introduce its fees in May, and customers who joined EE after July 7 2021 face a £2 daily roaming charge. Vodafone will also charge the same fee for anyone who joined the network or renewed their contract after 11th August. Both companies are offering deals to avoid the fee.
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, said it was “reassuring” that Virgin Media O2 was giving reassurances to customers who may face uncertainty about the scope of their mobile plans.
“As the UK continues to negotiate trade deals, it should take the opportunity to lower the cost of roaming for consumers travelling around the world,” she added.
“The UK and EU should also work to strike a deal on roaming charges to stop companies chipping away at the roaming benefits customers have become used to and to ensure the high charges people used to face do not return.”


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Twitter-owned Periscope has constantly been offering new updates to build its broadcaster community over the past few months. The app's latest update called Super Hearts is an initiative aimed at monetizing the platform.
Dubbed "Super Hearts", the feature expands on the existing ability to send hearts as a "like" mechanism. Now users can tap on a Super Hearts icon that appears on the screen to select the type of heart one wants to send to the broadcaster. The feature can only be used when the broadcast is live.
To start using the feature, a viewer must purchase a package of virtual coins from the App or Play Store. These coins are available in different packages ranging from $0.99 for 1050 coins to $99.99 for 132, 500. Super Hearts that are given to streamers get tracked on their profiles in the form of stars.
The hearts, beyond virtual love, can also increase the ranking and status of the broadcaster. As an additional incentive, Periscope is also introducing "Super Broadcasters Program". Once creators accumulate $175 worth of these super hearts, they can then exchange the digital goods for cash. Twitter says that creators will receive about 70 percent of the actual value of those virtual goods, with the other 30 percent going to things like fees and payment processing.
"We created Super Hearts for qualified broadcasters to monetize their content, and our objective is to learn from and iterate on this program to help them realize their most earning potential. After standard fees from in-app purchases and payment processing, broadcasters will receive around 70 percent of the remaining value. Changes in fees and foreign exchange fluctuations mean that the effective percentage can vary," said Sara Haider, director of engineering at Periscope.
At first, only broadcasters in the US will be eligible for the new feature, but Periscope plans to expand to other countries soon, the company said.


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Americans cut back on spending last month while their income remained flat. the weakness in part reflected disruptions from superstorm sandy that could slow economic growth for the rest of the year. work interruptions caused by the storm reduced wages and salaries in october by about $18 billion at an annual rate, the government said. the storm affected 24 states, with the most severe damage in new york and new jersey.
updated: 11/30/2012 10:10 AM
Sandy slowed U.S. consumer spending and pay in Oct.
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Geneva – January 18th, 2023 – NEXUS Automotive International, the Automotive Aftermarket Company, is delighted to announce the launch of a new business unit dedicated to Ecommerce. Robbie Stevens has been appointed Head of Ecommerce Business Unit, starting in January. His appointment will allow NEXUS to answer the needs and priorities of its community in order to support the growth of the planned upcoming transformation.
A new business to better fit the priorities of the N! community
The launch of the Ecommerce Business Unit – such as the launch of the Heavy Duty one – is the perfect illustration of how N! supports its community; accelerating and generating growth and the move from “Parts” to “Parts and Services” through the diversification of its activities.
On one hand, the creation of this dedicated Ecommerce Business Unit is answering the needs of the Ecommerce players – part of the N! community since its creation in 2014 – to create value. This department will, on the other hand, create tools and services for the traditional players to support their upcoming transformation.
Ultimately, this new Business Unit could generate new entrepreneurial initiatives that could become future start-ups incubated by NEXUS.
For 20 years, Robbie Stevens career path has developed within the automotive aftermarket. First, he founded his own successful automotive online company before joining Mister-Auto, as Head of Marketplace Business Development to expand their global marketplace footprint. Then, Robbie was promoted to Country Manager (UK & Ireland) in 2017, before becoming ‘sales-focused’ as a freelance. Robbie then launched Ford Motor Company’s first ever B2C ecommerce Strategy with webshops and marketplaces in the big 5 EU markets along with North America as Head of Global Sales Growth & Marketing for Autonative.
“We are very happy to welcome Robbie, who knows the industry very well, and start the new year with such a major project for N!. Indeed, innovation is part of the N! DNA since its creation. Our motto is to focus on supporting our community and provide some tools to lead the transformation; as we have done in previous years and will continue to do so for the coming years ahead”, said Gael Escribe, CEO of NEXUS Automotive International.
About NEXUS Automotive International
Established in 2014 by CEO Gaël Escribe, NEXUS Automotive International, the leading automotive aftermarket (AA) global community, is shaping the future of the AA.
Thanks to an entrepreneurial, innovative and agile mindset, N! disrupts the industry bringing innovative solutions for a more sustainable, digital and connected mobility. At the same time, it supports its community of more than 150 members in 140 countries, allied with 78 global suppliers, by providing services to accelerate their growth.
N! is offering new approaches and new ideas for a connected, global and consolidated world of tomorrow to accelerate the success of car and heavy duty spare parts and services distributors and manufacturers, through 18 regional structures that connect them.
NEXUS’ consolidated turnover was more than 39 billion euros in 2022.
More information: NEXUS Automotive international
N ! podcats available here.
Julie Fontaine, Corporate Communication Manager
+ 33 6 26 73 39 03


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Community and long-term care pharmacists are pressing for more transparency in pharmacy benefit managers’ Maximum Allowable Cost lists that determine how much pharmacies are paid for generic drugs, pushing back against PBMs’ claims that transparency could lead to higher drug prices. The press comes as lawmakers question whether the right economic incentives are in place for PBMs to keep drug prices as low as possible.
The two sides faced off at a House hearing Tuesday (Nov. 17), where PBMs said they are already using their market power and the MAC lists to help keep prices down, but community pharmacists disagreed. National Community Pharmacists Association President Bradley Arthur told lawmakers that outdated MAC lists often result in community pharmacists being paid less for generic drugs than they cost to purchase.
The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents PBMs, said its members typically reduce drug benefit costs by 30 percent by encouraging the use of generics, negotiating discounts from manufacturers, and drugstores and using home delivery, among other things.
PBMs use a Maximum Allowable Cost formula to set how much pharmacies are reimbursed for generics, and Natalie Pons, senior vice president and assistant general counsel for CVS Health, said CVS puts together its MAC list to try to incentivize pharmacies to use generics and to buy those generics at the lowest possible cost.
But community pharmacists have alleged they are often paid less for generics than the drugs cost to purchase, and NCPA said in a statement that acquisition costs for generic prescription drugs are subject to dramatic price spikes but PBMs lag in updating MAC reimbursement to pharmacies. A recent Avalere Health study sponsored by the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition found that the prices PBMs pay vary, and long-term care pharmacies on average lose money on more than 60 percent of generic medications dispensed in LTC facilities.
“The business model for LTC pharmacies may be unsustainable in the long-run, if generics continue to represent an increasing share of medications dispensed, with a majority reimbursed at negative margins,” the study says, according to the coalition. Alan Rosenbloom, president and CEO of the coalition, said that long-term care pharmacies are particularly hard hit by the MAC pricing problems, and questioned why there is such variation in MAC reimbursement.
“While the changes under MAC pricing should be based on actual variations in relevant market conditions, this does not appear to be the case in a variety of instances according to the actual transaction data. This opaque and hidden pricing methodology allows PDPs and PBMs to set and change payment rates for generic drugs without advance notice to LTC pharmacies and others — and does not require them to publicly disclose why reimbursement rates are changed,” Rosenbloom said in a statement.
Pons, however, told lawmakers that CVS wants independent pharmacies to get a fair margin for drugs.
CMS is set to require PBMs to update their MAC at least every seven days come 2016, and the PBMs told lawmakers they are already watching the market to update the MAC lists at least that often. NCPA said that as of August, 24 states had passed legislation on the issue, and Arthur noted that PCMA has fought some of laws around PBM and MAC transparency. PCMA sued over a generic drug pay law in Arkansas in August that the group said would guarantee pharmacies make a profit on every generic drug dispensed.
Lawmakers also questioned PBMs on transparency, and David Balto, an attorney and former policy director of the Federal Trade Commission who has lobbied for NCPA, called on Congress to pass legislation requiring more transparency on the MAC prices. Balto also said plan sponsors need greater transparency to make sure they are receiving the full benefits of the PBMs’ bargaining power and make sure PBMs are effectively reining in drug costs.
Pons said CVS is fully supportive of transparency with clients, but what the company isn’t supportive of is transparency with competitors. If PBMs’ competitive pricing was made more publicly available and competitors were aware of what others were charging, that could result in higher prices, Pons said.
However, an Applied Policy report sponsored by NCPA says that experience with Part D shows that concerns about more transparency leading to less competition may be unfounded, and “disclosure requirements, when properly protected with confidentiality clauses, do not necessarily hinder a PBM’s ability to negotiate competitive rebates with manufacturers.”
House Judiciary Committee Chair Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and antitrust subcommittee Chair Tom Marino (R-PA) said that because PBMs oversee the administration and management of prescription drug benefits, they should be able to get lower prices for prescription drugs, and Goodlatte noted that PBMs have had some success in that area. However, Goodlatte said drug prices keep rising, and lawmakers need to maker sure that pharmacies and PBMs have the right economic incentives to “place a genuine check on rising drug prices.”
Express Scripts Vice President of Retail Contracting and Strategy Amy Bricker testified that Express Scripts’ market scale is what allows it to push for lower drug prices.
“Brand drug makers may have short-term pricing power when bringing a breakthrough drug to market. However, our scale helps level the playing field when a brand or generic competitor emerges. Scale also allows us to drive a hard bargain and lower costs for patients, clients, and taxpayers,” Bricker’s testimony says.
Arthur told lawmakers at the Judiciary antitrust subcommittee hearing that PBMs have disproportionate market power, and “the current situation and overall business climate that exists in which market power is increasingly concentrated in an ever-shrinking number of corporations — makes me apprehensive about what is around the bend.”
But when asked by Marino if independent pharmacies might go out of business because of the volume of prescriptions that PBMs sell and the prices that they offer, Bricker said that independent pharmacies are viable and the independent pharmacy business is quite robust.
“In a changing system, independent pharmacies are more than holding their own. This is great news,” Bricker testified. – Michelle M. Stein


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2 Pune-based entrepreneurs team up for new startup that makes face shields to fight coronavirus
As India opens up after the coronavirus lockdown, the need for protective equipment continues to rise. And startups across India are rising to the challenge.
Aditya Kabra and Mitesh Rasal, co-founders, Armor Care
Aditya Kabra, Founder and CEO of, and Mitesh Rasal, Co-founder and CEO of RUT3 Engineering, were also keen to take the fight to coronavirus and decided to launch a startup that produces high-quality face shields.
Founded in May 2020, Pune-based Armor Care was established after the founders joined the Pune Face Shield Action Group. The group was started by Venture Centre, a Pune-based business incubator that counts Zeroplast and RUT3 Engineering among its portfolio startups.
“The journey began when Venture Centre got a request from Pune police for manufacturing face shields. After this, 10 portfolio companies, including us, and the incubator launched the Pune Face Shield Action Group in March to design, fabricate, manufacture, and donate low-cost face shields for the frontline workers,” Aditya tells YourStory.
Aditya claims that till date the group has donated around one lakh face shields to the police department and hospitals.
Launching Armor Care
Aditya says things started when the group got feedback from frontline workers that while the face shields met demand shortage amid the lockdown, they needed to be better quality as India readied for Unlock 1.0.
The duo then launched Armor Care to sell pocket-friendly, fog-resistant, lightweight, and waterproof face shields.
“With Venture Centre’s group, we were donating masks only to frontline workers but with Armor, we are aiming to reach out to all customers, be it hospitals or individual users,” Aditya says.
The co-founder claimed the face shields can be worn for up to 12 hours comfortably. Users can disinfect them by soaking in soap solution for 20 minutes or wiping down with an alcohol-based sanitiser.
“The face shield comprises a holder and detachable sheets. The holder can last lifelong while the sheets can last for two to three weeks. However, it depends on usage,” Aditya says.
Credit: Armor Care
Of business and more
The Armor Care face shields are available for sale across India via the company’s website. At present, two variants are available: Armor Pro face shield and Armor Lite face shield. The Pro variant is bigger and covers the ears; the Lite variant does not cover the ears.
A pack of five Armor Pro face shields is priced at Rs 345 while the Armor Lite pack is sold at Rs 295. Users can also buy packs of 10 or 15. They can also purchase a pack of 15 additional sheets for Lite for Rs 112 and Pro for Rs 150.
Aditya claims that more than 5,000 Armor face shields have been sold till date to doctors and the general public. Apart from Maharashtra, the company has also received orders from Odisha and Haryana.
It’s not just Armor. Several entrepreneurs have stepped up to manufacture protective gear to meet increasing demand.
Gurugram-based manufacturing enterprise Crea Worldwide began manufacturing face shields and PPE coveralls suitable for the Indian climate. Jammu-based SID07 Designs also developed a comfortable and reusable face shield, COVisor, for doctors who need to wear it for longer duration.
Speaking about the startup’s plans for the future, Aditya says the company is considering a work model where they can collaborate and provide shields to Pune Face Shield Action Group.


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Stellantis, the world’s fourth-greatest car or truck maker, announced on Thursday that it would devote much more than €30 billion ($36 billion) via 2025 as portion of an formidable approach to speed up on the highway to dominating in electrical-cars.
In its 1st “EV Day,” Stellantis
—formed out of the $52 billion merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA before this year—said its expense would concentrate on electrification and software. The automobile giant features models Fiat, Chrysler, and Jeep as properly as Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Citroën, collectively producing all over 8.7 million models a calendar year.
Shares in Stellantis fell in close proximity to 3.5% in European trading, whilst the U.S.-stated shares slipped close to 3%, somewhat outpacing wide declines across stock markets on Thursday.
Stellantis’ new targets involve 70% of European profits and 40% of U.S. product sales coming from lower-emission cars by 2030, and sourcing EV batteries—which are envisioned to shortly be in short supply—from five gigafactories in Europe and North The us.
Also go through: This new ‘Tesla fighter’ from Mercedes beats out the Product S on two important steps, UBS says
The group’s plan for battery-electrical vehicles—which are entirely-electric powered, as opposed to hybrids, and extensively seen as the foreseeable future of the sector—relies on acquiring 4 scalable EV platforms that can be rolled out across all 14 of its models.
“The tactic we laid out nowadays focuses the ideal volume of financial commitment on the right engineering to arrive at the marketplace at the ideal time, making certain that Stellantis powers the independence of movement in the most successful, cost-effective and sustainable way,” mentioned Carlos Tavares, Stellantis’ chief govt officer, in a assertion.
But according to a top European electric powered-motor vehicle analyst, the group has a extended way to go prior to winning the EV race in the location, and faces bumps in the highway forward.
Europe overtook China in 2020 as the world’s largest current market for electric-cars, amid a pedal-to-the-metal push throughout the area to enhance EV adoption with new fines above emissions targets for suppliers and elevated incentives for consumers. While China has taken back the best place in 2021, Europe continues to be a crucial industry for international car makers hunting to promote a lot more electrical-vehicles.
Moreover: Microsoft and American Airlines-backed flying taxi startup to go general public in new $5 billion blank-check wave
As of the end of May possibly, Stellantis was the second-major EV group in Europe with nearly 17% of the sector share, driving only Volkswagen
and ahead of the Renault
alliance and Tesla
“There is a ton of chat about ‘electrified,’” said Matthias Schmidt, the publisher of the European Electric powered Vehicle Report, but “that is a weak and broad time period when it will come to pure electrification.”
The analyst told MarketWatch that Tavares indicated that Stellantis would keep on to profitable plug-in hybrid electric powered-vehicles and gentle hybrids right up right until 2030, instead of wholly switching to completely-electrical vehicles.
Also, Schmidt stated Stellantis faces headwinds because it is dominant in marketplaces that are not likely to be the speediest in embracing all-electrical autos.
“Stellantis’ publicity to markets that are ‘value for funds markets’ is protecting against a larger BEV rollout and missing these scaling potentials it has from its measurement,” Schmidt mentioned. “One ought to not ignore that Stellantis are potentially much more uncovered to Southern European markets as nicely as Central and Jap marketplaces that are likely to be slower in relocating in a 100% pure EV course.”
Read: Tesla is under strain from Nio, but these are the ideal electric-vehicle investments right now, claims UBS
Anticipations have been very significant for Stellantis going into the EV Day. In advance of the function, analysts at Swiss financial institution UBS
led by Patrick Hummel mentioned they imagined that “if the budgets and timelines are not ambitious more than enough [it] could weigh on sentiment for the inventory.”
Hummel and his group pointed out that their concentration was on Stellantis’ ideas to electrify pickup truck choices in North The usa, which is the phase that normally generates the team the most funds. Even though Stellantis outlined ideas for an all-electrical Dodge Ram by 2024, this would set it at least two many years driving Ford, which strategies for a 2022 electric F-150 truck.
“We consider accelerating the timeline is vital for Stellantis, primarily in North The united states where by several electrical choose-up vehicles are owing to be launched around the subsequent several quarters,” the UBS analysts reported. “In Europe and China, BEVs from opposition on dedicated platforms with excellent range, functionality metrics and in the long run reduce manufacturing expenses, boost the stress on Stellantis to carry ahead EV launches on subsequent-gen platforms.”


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It’s finally happening.
Former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung has announced that she will indeed be releasing a solo album.
The announcement was made via a promotional event for Jessica’s new line of cosmetics for her designer label, BLANC & ECLARE.
The announcement states: “In partnership with Lotte, the full Serein cosmetics line is available for purchase at the ICN Get It Beauty store in the Concourse of the airport. To celebrate, we are releasing a new product—the Serein Cosmetics Pouch (available in-store and online at www.blancgroup.com) – and running special promotional offers. Customers will have the chance to bundle products as well as receive a complimentary signed copy of Creative Director Jessica Jung’s first solo album.”
The announcement doesn’t clarify when the album will be available, but the pop-up event is happening in just two days in Seoul.
More details on Jessica’s solo album release are sure to be made available in the next few days, so be sure to stick around moonROK for updates.
Source: Blanc & Eclare
Tags: BLANC & ECLARE Girls' Generation Jessica


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Guinness Great Grill Out 2020 assembles a platter of virtual and physical events that celebrate plenty of Guinness and grilled goodness.
If you're looking to drinking German beer in copious amounts or indulging in a roasted pork knuckle or two, here are some recommendations on where you can go to celebrate Oktoberfest this year.
Oktoberfest is one of the world's largest beer celebrations. We take a look at the festival's origins, and provide a simple guide to German bier.
For this month's edition of our Drinkspotting column, we cast our eye out for various alcoholic tipples for the season including those for National Day.
Carlsberg has launched a limited edition Carlsberg Liverpool Champions Can to celebrate Liverpool Football Club's Premier League win.
Singapore's leading local beer brand Tiger Beer has released its limited-edition Tiger Orchid Brew in cans to celebrate Singapore's National Day.


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Tarboro Chamber to host fundraising raffle
From Staff Reports
Monday, August 6, 2018
Every year around this time, folks in Tarboro line up to be a loser.
The TECC-TIME Reverse Raffle makes winners losers and losers winners. As raffle tickets are drawn, each winner loses their chance at being the biggest loser of the night and pocketing $3,000. Other prizes will be up for grabs as well at the annual fundraiser for the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce.
The reverse raffle is set to begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 23 and run until a loser is announced.
The event will once again be held at Mobley Atrium on the Tarboro campus of Edgecombe Community College.
The event also features a live silent auction and great food — all for $75 a ticket, which admits two people and includes dinner, beverages and raffle entry. In addition to the Reverse Raffle there will also be second chance tickets, sideboards for $5 and $10 and a deck of cards raffle. Along with the raffle fun, the silent auction offers an awesome array of great gifts and gift certificates donated to the Chamber for the event.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 252-823-7241 or emailing email@example.com.
Purchase a ticket by Aug. 1 to be entered into the “Early Bird” Raffle and a chance to win an additional $150.
The event is a sellout every year. There are limited tickets being sold. Advanced tickets sales only. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door.
This year’s theme is “fishing” and having a REEL’y good time.
Anyone interested in being a sponsor and showcasing their business can call the Chamber at 252-823-7241 for more information.


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It happened to me. I saw a post from a friend in my Instagram feed showing off a luxurious vacation, and I DM’d them saying I hoped they were having a really great time only for them to respond that the photo was actually posted two weeks ago. Cringe. But no more! Instagram is apparently bringing back the chronological feed, hopefully ensuring I will never have to deal with these social-media embarrassments ever again.
While appearing at the Senate Wednesday, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said the company was working on adding in “a version of a chronological feed” that is expected to launch in 2022. This new version will reportedly require users to update a list of “Favorites” so Instagram can prioritize posts from those accounts and present them chronologically. “We’ve been experimenting with Favorites, a way for you to decide whose posts you want to see higher up, and we’re working on another option to see posts from people you follow in chronological order,” Instagram Comms explained on Twitter.
So basically, yes, the chronological feed will be back, but you’ll have to jump through a few hoops to make it happen. And the algorithm that currently dictates what shows up on your feed will still be active. Hopefully, it’ll be enough to keep me from missing any big sale announcements or from sending a congratulations card to a former co-worker whose baby announcement post I just saw was actually from months ago.


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Lakewood, CO—Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage announced results for its first quarter of fiscal 2019, which ended December 31, 2018, in a press release.
All statistics are in comparison to the first quarter of fiscal 2018:
- Net sales increased 9.4% to $221.5 million
- Daily average comparable store sales increased 5.5%
- Operating income increased 84% to $4 million, and operating margin increased 70 basis points
- Net income decreased 57.6% to $2.2 million with diluted earnings per share of $0.10
- EBITDA increased 17.8% to $11.3 million
The release noted that the decline in net income reflects the impact of a $4.3 million non-cash remeasurement of the company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the first quarter of fiscal 2018.
The release also noted that, over the course of the first quarter of fiscal 2019, Natural Grocers opened four new stores, relocated one store, and closed one store, resulting in a 6.3 unit growth rate for calendar year 2018.
Kemper Isely, co-president, said in the release, “We are pleased to report a strong start to fiscal 2019, delivering continued comparable store sales growth along with an improved gross margin and operating margin during the first quarter. We remain focused on driving sales growth.” He pointed out that, excluding the remeasurement of the company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities, net income and earnings per share would have more than doubled during this quarter.


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Collier Creek looking like a snack!
The rumors were true….Collier Creek Holdings (CCH) announced this morning that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Utz Quality Foods, LLC, to create Utz Brands, Inc. Utz Brands will be a leading pure-play snack food platform in the U.S., and it is expected that upon closing Utz Brands will trade under the ticker symbol “UTZ” on the New York Stock Exchange.
As for the transaction details, Collier Creek intends to use the approximate $453 million of cash currently held in trust (assuming no redemptions) and the $35 million forward purchase of units to fund this deal, which will reduce Utz’s indebtedness to ~3.1x estimated 2020 Pro Forma adjusted EBITDA of $134 million. It is anticipated that Utz Brands will have an initial enterprise value of approximately $1.56 billion or 11.6x its estimated 2021 PF Adjusted EBITDA.
The Rice and Lissette family, the founding family and owners of Utz, will retain more than 90% of its existing equity stake, which will represent more than 50% ownership in Utz Brands upon completion of the transaction.
Dylan Lissette, who has served as Utz’s CEO since 2013 and has worked at the Company for almost 25 years, will continue to lead the business along with the existing management team. Roger Deromedi, Collier Creek’s Co-Executive Chairman and former Chairman of Pinnacle Foods and CEO of Kraft Foods, will become Chairman of Utz Brands.
Quick Takes: As someone who has been snacking pretty consistently during the pandemic, along with many other people, this transaction looks pretty tasty. You have an established, recognizable brand name and portfolio, but more importantly, Utz gets to go public with Roger Deromedi as Chairman. Obtaining that kind of leadership is one of the best reasons to go public via a SPAC. If Utz were to go the traditional IPO route, they (presumably) wouldn’t have the advantage of having the experience and rolodex of a seasoned executive like Mr. Deromedi join their company. And since Mr. Deromedi is a highly recognizable name in the space, having previously headed the public companies of Pinnacle Foods and Kraft Foods, that is a huge advantage for Utz. This transaction does have a minimum cash closing condition of $300 million, but given that the CCH’s share price is already trading above $12.00, they should have very few (if any) redemptions, i.e., meeting $300 million shouldn’t be an issue.
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
Collier Creek’s investor conference call and presentation discussing the transaction can be accessed by visiting www.netroadshow.com and entering the passcode Utz2020.
A transcript of the call will also be filed by Collier Creek with the SEC.
- Goldman Sachs and Sageworth are acting as financial advisors to Utz.
- Citigroup, Credit Suisse, and BofA Securities are acting as capital markets advisors to Collier Creek.
- Citigroup and Credit Suisse are acting as lead financial advisors.
- BofA Securities and Nomura also serving as financial advisors to Collier Creek.
- Cozen O’Connor is acting as legal counsel to Utz.
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to Collier Creek.
Below is a daily summary of links to the latest SPAC news and rumors gathered across the web. Latest SPAC Liquidations: Mission Advancement Acquisition Corp., and Clarim Acquisition Corp. Mission Advancement Acquisition Corp. Shareholders Approve Liquidation Date Amendment On December 6, 2022, the stockholders of Mission Advancement Corp. approved an amendment to allow...
BYTE Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:BYTS) announced this afternoon that its special meeting to extend its deadline, originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 20, 2022, has been postponed. The SPAC has not yet disclosed the new date for the meeting, but it is expected to be announced at a later date. BYTE did note that it intends to...
D and Z Media Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:DNZ) announced this afternoon that its special meeting, originally scheduled for 12:00 p.m. today, was convened and then adjourned, without conducting any business, to 1:30 p.m. on December 19. As of now, DNZ has a completion deadline of January 28, 2023, but is hoping to seek shareholder approval to add an extra...
EDOC Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:ADOC) has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with food oil processing company Australian Oilseeds at an enterprise value of $190 million. Australian Oilseeds manufactures food-grade, edible oils through several subsidiaries. Transaction Overview EDOC has an estimated $21.3 million in its current trust after seeing about 77.5% redemptions in extension votes....
Below is a daily summary of links to the latest SPAC news and rumors gathered across the web. Latest SPAC News: Buzzfeed cuts 12% of staff, and ASIG plans to expand through acquisition upon completion of SPAC BuzzFeed cuts 12% of staff citing worsening econ conditions Digital media company BuzzFeed (NASDAQ:BZFD) is cutting 12%...


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Sustainable Communities are Jobs Magnets
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
In recent years, state and local economic development teams are getting some questions they might not expect from companies looking for new locations. In addition to information about economic climate and quality of life, businesses want to know more about a community’s track record around environmental sustainability.
These days, it should surprise no one that a prominent U.S. company would want to operate in a community that values environmental protection and prioritizes waste diversion.
Most large businesses are doubling down on their own efforts to reduce carbon footprints – and bragging about it to consumers and shareholders. Those organizations want to operate in sustainable communities that share their principles.
The good news is central Ohio has a great story to tell on that front, including Franklin County’s impressive 50% waste diversion rate, which is significantly higher than the national average of 34%. But we may not always recognize the potential economic benefits of better telling our own story.
Soon, perhaps, no one will need to ask central Ohio about its commitment to the environment. They will be able to see it from the highway.
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is the go-to resource for recycling, composting and other measures to divert waste from the landfill. As part of its mission, SWACO aims to leverage the waste stream for the economic benefit of the community. This summer, SWACO entered into an agreement with BQ Energy Development, LLC, to transform a former landfill – approximately 173 acres that once served as Franklin County’s sanitary landfill – into Columbus Solar Park. Columbus Solar Park will generate electricity that will be available to local entities to purchase and use.
Beyond the significant economic benefits of a solar array, Columbus Solar Park also would serve as a billboard advertising central Ohio’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The closed landfill is located off I-71 in Grove City, just beyond Columbus’ southwest border. Anyone driving that stretch of the interstate won’t be able to miss the solar field, once it is constructed, as a visual testament to the Columbus Region’s embrace of green energy.
As one who has always been passionate about economic development, I’m thrilled about the direct employment and investment that will come out of the solar project. I’m equally excited for this project to showcase who we are as a community. Doing so won’t just generate pride; it will generate jobs.
ROSEVILLE – Nearly a decade of grant-funded projects are transforming the village of Roseville.
Few will have the impact of a the new supermarket building. “It will be the centerpiece of a new downtown,” said Heidi Milner, the village’s fiscal officer.
It is nearing completion on part of the former Ungemach Pottery site on Potters Lane. Construction was funded by $750,000 in grants, the bulk of which was a USDA Rural Development Grant, and local investment. The new building features a grocery store, restaurant space and a walk-up window that could be used for ice cream orders. Garage doors on each side of the dining area will give it a pleasant summer atmosphere, as will a patio behind the building that opens facing the levy.read more
Midway Market in Ostrander is set to double its size and add much-needed services, thanks in part to a loan facilitated by Consolidated Cooperative.
Ostrander’s only convenience store and gas station, Midway Market will double the square footage of the convenience and grocery store and add a car and pet wash.read more
WILMINGTON, OH — The Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) recently launched a new website, created by Golden Shovel Agency, to further strengthen its online presence and the economic growth of the community. The new site includes county-wide data, information specifically collected for site selectors, and local business resources to serve as a one-stop-shop for companies considering new investment or expansion in Clinton County.read more


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Less than one month after the mass shooting that claimed 10 lives at Sante Fe High School, Steam has teased the release of a video game called "Active Shooter" -- where players can simulate such horrific events.
Outrage from parents of school shooting victims after controversial new video game makes the player an “active shooter.” pic.twitter.com/BH8pJ6TUuD— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 29, 2018
A description of the game says:
“Only in ‘Active Shooter’, you will be able to pick the role of an Elite S.W.A.T team member or the actual shooter. Depending on the role, your objective might be to protect and extract or hunt and destroy.”
The creator also promises that there will soon be a 'civilian survival mode,' which will challenge players to survive for as long as possible inside a school environment with a gunman on the loose, according to The Daily Mail.
Honestly, we think this sucks.
What do you think?
I am disgusted to see that @steam_games is selling an “Active Shooter” game due to be released on June 6 for download. I am requesting that you remove “Active Shooter” from the Steam website & stop selling products that glorify the gun violence killing America’s children.— flamenco (@4goofballs) May 25, 2018
.@steam_games I think it would be incredibly insensitive of you, and a slap in the face to the hundreds/thousands of students who have had to live through real school shootings - if you release your new 'Active Shooter' game.— Randy Thompson (@ERDataDoc) May 27, 2018
That Active Shooter game that’s releasing on Steam (on the 6th I think) is a bad look. I’m all for devs making the games that they want but it’s an obviously shitty game that is looking to sell off controversy. It shines a poor light on my favorite hobby and gives ammo to critics— Arsonall (@Arsonall) May 27, 2018
Hopefully, Valve won’t sell any of their new game. I’m pro Sceond Amendment. I am also pro background checks to try to reduce the risk of people having guns who shouldn’t - like people who would buy the “Active Shooter” game.— ScoreKeeper51 (@ScoreKeeper51) May 27, 2018
Outrage over Active Shooter game that lets children play the role of a gunman on a murder spree at school https://t.co/SDR1o3I32v— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) May 28, 2018


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If you want to read the press release of the Xperia GX and SX you can do that in an article that we published earlier this month. The jist of that article was basically Sony’s announcement of the two devices. GX being the higher-end model, boasting the following: Android 4.0, LTE, 4.6″ Reality Display, 1.5GHz dual-core, 16GB internal flash storage, 13MP shooter, HD video recording and more. The SX version will be packed with many of the same features, just a little smaller, such as 3.7″ Reality Display, same processor, 8GB internal flash storage and an 8MP camera.
I will say these are some pretty sleek looking android phones Sony has come up with. The various colors just finishes off the design nicely in my opinion. We know for sure these are releasing in Japan, but what about the US? Think these devices could drop in the states? Hit the jump for a couple videos, each showcasing the Sony Xperian GX and SX.


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There are so many reasons to feel hopeful at the moment - pubs, Primark, plans to see friends.
How many do you need?
But giving a real cherry on the (underwear) cake, Marks and Spencer has released a boutique collection of lingerie, making you feel great on every level.
The British brand shared a snap of a model wearing some garments from the range, though it probably didn't get the reaction M&S expected.
At first, shoppers were in sheer elation but then they spotted something else which got them heated.
Taking to Instagram the retailer said: "Available online now....Our new Boutique collection designed in collaboration with guest designer Damaris Evans."
To start with, social media users were quick to comment on the stunning design.
"How beautiful, especially the model," said one.
Another added: "Love this," before inserting a praise-be and love heart emoji.
One user wrote: "Really pretty and feminine"
While another even gave a recommendation and added: "Ordered from the boutique range omg amazing quality, great prices and the fit is lovely."
But once the gushing comments stopped one person got really worked up.
For more news and features about London directly to your inbox sign up to our newsletter here .
No, not about the pretty delicate lingerie, or the stunning model..... but about a sofa. Yes, that's right a sofa.
Even the six degrees of Kevin Bacon probably couldn't have got here, but there is always one.
"Absolutely disgraceful service from M&S just now," they wrote angrily.
"Sofa delivery delayed for a second time, despite four-month lead-in time.
"We've sold our old sofa so now have nothing to sit on."
Prices from £8, click here for more information.


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Google finally jumped on the wireless earbuds bandwagon last year with the Pixel Buds. While they got things like comfort and sound quality right, they didn't do well in terms of connectivity and battery. While Google isn't completely changing either of those things, it's making it easier in Android 12 to know when your buds will run out of charge.
Google has always displayed the percentage of battery remaining, but a user has spotted (via 9to5Google) the companion "app" showing the remaining battery in terms of time.
As seen in the screenshot above, the battery percentage for both earbuds is accompanied by the time they're expected to last before dying. We're not sure why the remaining time is different despite both buds being charged 100%, but this could be due to the difference in battery health of the individual buds. In our review of the Pixel Buds, battery life was often inconsistent across each unit, which could be resulting in the time split in these screenshots.
This isn't the first time this feature has been spotted in the wild. The earliest report goes back to over three months ago, making it seem like Google is still testing this out. But for what it's worth, a user on Reddit claims that he had the same feature working with his OnePlus Buds.
Due to lack of further evidence, we're not completely sure if this is a feature exclusive to Pixel Buds (seems more likely with the evidence we have) or an Android feature that will work with other accessories too. With Google's much-leaked Pixel Buds A-series seemingly ready for launch — not to mention three additional Android 12 betas planned for this summer — it hopefully won't be too long until we know whether this is Pixel-exclusive or a big leap in how Android pairs with your Bluetooth headphones.


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Nearly as soon as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market, we were of the mind that it would make an excellent addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. , and we now have further evidence that plan is at least under consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.
For reference, the Envision is a two-row mid-size crossover along the same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle has been on sale in China since last year, and it rides on General Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The same architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as well as the next-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-looking thing, with a strong familial resemblance to other Buick products like the Regal and Verano.
Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s overall aesthetic is more reminiscent of the three-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but nice to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured here looks identical to the Chinese-market Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise work, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.
In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive; we wouldn’t be surprised if the same powertrain made it stateside, although it’s highly likely that Buick would offer a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a strong possibility.
- 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD Tested: A Surprise in a Roomy Package
- 2015 Nissan Murano Driven: Nissan’s Stylish New Crossover Resonates
- Buick Encore Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More
Since we haven’t heard much about the Envision since last year, we contacted Buick for an update but were told only that there are no current plans to bring the SUV here. It’s also worth noting that much of the Envision’s engineering took place on American soil, so seeing one parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s part. But the brand could certainly use another crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a starting price just above $30,000.


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New Small Business package from Metro Bank SME Finance boosts the ‘lifeblood of the UK economy’, with higher funding lines, no set up fees or minimum charges and substantial cash back after a year.
Of the 5.2 million businesses in the UK, 5million (96%) are classed as micro businesses, employing 0-9 staff members. Yet, while SMEs are widely acknowledged as the lifeblood of the UK economy, many traditional lenders are unwilling to provide the levels of support that these young, growing businesses need.
As the entrepreneur’s bank, Metro Bank is committed to help fledgling businesses grow with the launch of its Small Business Offering, which combines the following distinctive features:
- One single fee (no set up fees or minimum fees)
- Transparent charging
- Funding lines up to £100,000
- Fair service contract terms with zero termination fees and no value dating*
- Substantial cash back of 10% of the service fee (paid on the first anniversary
- of contract commencement)
- *This is contrary to the majority of finance providers who charge a value day amount, meaning that once a customer has reduced their borrowing balance, interest is still charged on the higher balance for a specified number of days.
The launch of the new Small Business Offering comes hot on the heels of Metro Bank’s recent pledge to eliminate termination fees and value dating days from its invoice finance contracts.
Commenting on the offering, Richard Saulet, Director of Metro Bank SME Finance, said: “We have listened carefully to what business owners and entrepreneurs want and have responded by shaping our products and services to meet the needs of this incredibly hardworking business sector. We believe that banks have a responsibility to ensure fairness and transparency and to provide an environment that rewards, rather than restricts, growth.
“Every business customer should have fair service contracts that work for them – not against them. We believe that small business customers should pay just one clear, simple and transparent fee, so we have abolished setup fees and minimum fees. We also acknowledge that running a fledgling business is financially tough and our new cashback offer recognises this. These changes are in addition to the removal of termination fees and value dating from all new contracts. We are leading the way when it comes to addressing the issues facing small businesses today and challenge the traditional banks to follow.”


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Take a look at this sucker.
It’s from a recent report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, and it pretty much confirms what many of us have known all along.
That TV, far from being dead, is alive and well and kicking digital’s ass.
Really kicking digital’s ass.
It also rather debunks the theory that everyone and anyone is viewing everything and anything on a mobile device.
They patently aren’t.
So here’s my question:
Why isn’t it a holy-shit topic of debate right now?
Call me crazy – and believe me, many have – but these figures seem to point to a vast misappropriation of focus in three significant markets. Is it too fanciful to suggest that our industry take them just a little seriously?
Maybe rethink an assumption or two? Perhaps take a closer look at the current ROI on digital platforms? Maybe dump the latest media buy and initiate a reallocation of marketing dollars?
At least call a meeting about it.
Yeah, not going to happen.
This report, like those that have come before it, will be avoided like the plague. In a mind-boggling display of counterintuition, brands will continue to pour vast sums of money into digital platforms.
It’s not difficult to see why.
To accept these numbers you’d first have to admit you might have been duped. Or at the least acknowledge that you’d got it very wrong.
And to act on them, well, that would mean flying in the face of received wisdom, and it’s a brave marketing chief or agency head that’s going to do that.
But someone will eventually.
And when that happens, the game will be up.
The day digital platforms are judged on their numbers will be the day they’re recognized for what they really are: a developing channel that’s currently delivering modest results.
The math will have prevailed over myth.
By the way, the IAB’s study has affected one immediate change:
TV’s last rites have been canceled indefinitely.
Read more on the IAB study here https://bit.ly/2DYNjC9


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Period power! Together we can end period poverty with Taboo’s organic pads and tampons
Let’s talk periods for a moment (we’ll just give the gents who accidentally clicked on the story a second to make a hasty exit). While we here in Australia have things largely sorted when it comes to our monthly visits from Aunty Flo, the heartbreaking truth is that 30-percent of girls in developing countries will drop out of school once they start having periods. Furthermore, far too many reproductive complications stem from the lack of appropriate menstrual health care and education. TABOO is a social enterprise turning the tide on period poverty.
Australians spend $300-million on sanitary products annually, that’s a lot of period power! If you want your dollars to extend beyond the coffers of faceless conglomerates, switch to TABOO’s organic pads and tampons and help make a real difference to girls and women in developing nations gain access to menstrual healthcare and education.
At the start of 2018, the Adelaide-based social enterprise co-founded by Eloise Hall and Isobel Marshall launched a successful crowdfunding campaign and raised $56,000 to buy the first order of sanitary products and embark on a fact-finding mission to India and Kenya. In August of this year, TABOO released its first batch of organic cotton pads and tampons to the Australian market which are now available to buy online here with 100-percent of net profits donated to One Girl’s education programs in Sierra Leone and Uganda. One Girl supports girls and young women with business skills, affordable sanitary products, education in menstrual hygiene, water and sanitation and high-school scholarships to holistically address the barriers that girls. TABOO also facilitates the donation of pads and tampons to disadvantaged women in Australia through Vinnies Women’s Crisis centre, which can be purchased here. You can do a one-off purchase or organise an ongoing subscription for yourself, the ladies in your tribe or ladies in need. Together we can create real change and that’s bloody beautiful, don’t you think?


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Australians are heavy users of digital wallets, once they have the app installed. Nielsen research suggests such apps are used more than once a week by the majority of users, and are rarely deleted. Stocard recently partnered with Nielsen to conduct research looking at the profile and shopping behaviours of
Nielsen Homescan research reveals that Australian online grocery sales increased significantly, up 45 per cent, over the past few weeks, compared to annual online growth of 34 per cent during Q4 2019. The growth is being driven by consumers seeking to avoid crowds in-store as shoppers stockpile grocery and medical
Australia’s growing cohort of neobanks still face a persistent challenge around awareness and trust, despite millions of consumers being unhappy with major financial institutions, according to new research from Nielsen. But Nielsen’s data, based survey of consumers over the last three financial years, suggests one in two consumers are open
IAB Australia and Nielsen this week switched on Digital Content Ratings (DCR), providing publishers, agencies and marketers with daily digital audience data for the first time. The milestone places Australia once again at the forefront of global digital measurement. According to the parties, the Nielsen Digital Content Ratings provides the Australian media
Periscope By McKinsey and Nielsen have announced a new data sharing partnership. Under the arrnagement, Periscope’s food retailer and FMCG clients will now have seamless access to Nielsen’s syndicated point-of-sale (POS) data, panel data, a variety of in-store execution monitoring services, and pricing and promotional models, globally. Sign up for
Nielsen will provide the local digital media sector with its official measurement stats for the next three years after the IAB announced it as the preferred supplier this morning. The decision was widely expected.Indeed, according to an IAB statement, “A major factor in the choice of Nielsen was the proposal’s particular
The IAB have announced that Nielsen and GfK are the two last companies on the final round of the tender process having navigated their way through the specialist technical review. They are competing to hold the rights to provide a digital audience-measurement solution in Australia for a three year contract.
Australian web sites will be audited using Comscore, after a late attempt by incumbent Nielsen was rejected by the Audited Media Association of Australia.Which-50 understands that Nielsen attempted to re-enter the process in recent months having at first refused to participate. However after the company made it clear it did


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New Delhi, Nov. 1 (ANI): In order to ensure safety of food products, the Government is set to introduce a new set of regulations from 2010, replacing the existing Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
"Under the existing provisions, small operators like street vendors cannot be licensed. The new regulations will require them to undergo a simple registration process at the base level, say the panchayats or municipalities," said P I Suvarathan, Chairperson of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The new set of rules aims to integrate the whole licensing system.
The food processing will be classified as into two categories -High-risk products (meat, milk, edible oil and the like) and low-risk products (rice).
"Companies with inter-state operations will be brought under a common regulatory system. Besides, there will be specific regulations covering safety of foods distributed by Railways and the Civil Aviation," Suvarathan said.
According to the new regulations, Food Safety Officers will be appointed who would do surveillance and prepare reports on quality of various food products keeping in mind the interests of consumers.
"We (FSSAI) have already suggested to states to set up separate Food Safety Department by each of them which would monitor food processing in their respective areas," he said. (ANI)